318 NERVE-MECHANISM. 



greater at its peripheral and central distribution than in 

 any part of the nerve trunk, and in the above situations the 

 batteries (bioplasts) are larger and they are more numerous 

 than in the trunk of the nerve. 



The formation of the nerve fibres and cells the construc- 

 tion of the nerve mechanism, must be referred to the pro- 

 perties or powers of the bioplasm which preceded its forma- 

 tion. The action of the mechanism may be said to be due 

 directly to physical and chemical change, but the matter 

 which is changed physically and chemically is peculiar, and 

 it must be borne in mind, was formed by bioplasm, and owed 

 its origin to bioplasm. The higher phenomena of the nervous 

 system are probably due primarily to the movements of bio- 

 plasm by which some part of the nervous mechanism is acted 

 upon. The movement of all bioplasm is vital, occurs only 

 during life, and is due to vital power. The bioplasm which 

 took part in the production of the mechanism that is acted 

 upon, and the mind-bioplasm itself which acts upon the 

 mechanism, have been derived from bioplasm which gave 

 origin besides to the bioplasm of every tissue of the body. 



No clear idea of the action of the mechanism can be 

 formed from any description which does not also afford- 

 information concerning its origin and formation. Although 

 we may point to certain bioplasm as the probable seat of 

 mind a very imperfect notion of a mental act will be formed, 

 unless the action of this and other complex phenomena be 

 included in the mental view that is formed of the phe- 

 nomenon. 



In man there seems to be evidence of the action of a 

 higher and more wonderful vital power than exists in any 

 other living form. This influences a very special and easily 



